Following their send-up of creative collaboration in Chloe and the Lion, author Mac Barnett and illustrator Adam Rex are back for more metafictional hijinks. This time, they walk readers through the complete book-making process, from idea to printed product. Pairing a matter-of-fact tone with droll descriptions of each step (did you know that tigers, pirates, and astronauts are all involved in making a book?), Barnett and Rex will have even the most incredulous readers in stiches by the last page. Mixed-media artwork captures every aspect of this zany, multilayered tale, which leaves the final step up to you: "a book still isn’t a book, not really, until it has a reader."

Round and regal, King Baby lords it over his subjects -- er, family. As his parents stand by proudly, he welcomes his crowd of admirers: "You have been waiting for me. I will give you many blessings, for King Baby is generous." Annoyingly, when he issues commands like "Bring me the thing," the adults only hear baby babble, but that will change once he becomes a big boy and passes the crown to his little sister, Queen Baby. Illustrated in Kate Beaton's distinctively goofy and expressive style, this rib-tickling tale of tiny tyrant deserves a place on the shelf right next to Marla Frazee's Boss Baby.

Lurking in the dark waters of the ocean, hiding from the human gaze, qiant squid are a tantalizing mystery. But "how can you know about an animal hidden from view? You must rely on clues, as scientists do…" There are plenty of clues in this visually arresting picture book: here's a glimpse of outflung tentacles; there, a fearsomely sharp beak; and is that a lidless eye appearing out of the murk? By the time a gatefold reveals a stunning full-length portrait of this elusive cephalopod, young readers will be entranced and eager to learn more. Handily, the final pages are filled with information to quench their curiosity.

Sophie and her grandpa have a reassuring routine: every morning, he parks his wheelchair by the window and waves her onto the school bus, and every afternoon, they play the game. The game always begins with Grandpa claiming he lost something -- a paper clip, a lemon drop, a paintbrush -- and that he needs Sophie's help to find it. Young readers can search along with Sophie in the cheerful clutter of Grandpa's room (depicted in loving detail by legendary illustrator Jerry Pinkney), sharing not only her triumph as she finds each item, but also in the warm, caring bond between grandparent and grandchild.

Hank the pill bug has already had busy day when he meets up with his human BFF for an exhilarating game of pretend. After doing all of his usual activities -- crawling out from his rock, nibbling some leaves, meeting his buggy neighbors, and climbing his "exercise stick" -- Hank is ready for excitement, and his friend Amelia is happy to show him the view from her aviator helmet as she zooms across the yard playing airplane. Similar to Henry Cole's Big Bug, this upbeat read offers illustrations that play with size and perspective, and like Angela DiTerlizzi's Some Bugs, it presents kids with an insect's-eye view of the world.

Día de los Muertos

Though they range from playful to reflective, these picture books can all be shared with kids in preparation for el Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), celebrated at the beginning of November.

The elevator from the Land of the Dead is rising fast, and little skeleton Angelito is nervous. It's his first time joining has family on their annual trip to the Land of the Living for el Día de los Muertos, and though Angelito knows it's meant to be a festive occasion, he's freaked out at the thought of squishy, bulgy-eyed live people. Once they arrive, however, he spots a boy with a skeleton face just like his…or so it seems. Saturated colors and a cartoony style keep the mood light in this charming tale of understanding, friendship, and celebration.

It's a starry night in autumn, and the spirits of the dead get ready to party. After their families leave them marigolds and other gifts, the spirits emerge in the form of skeletons, and the quiet evening is transformed into a lively bash complete with music, dancing, food, and games. The story doesn't provide many facts about el Día de los Muertos (there's an afterword for that), but the punchy rhymes (in Spanish and English) and colorful collage art create an upbeat tone that's just right for little listeners. Those looking for a spookier, Halloween-themed story about skeletons may appreciate Robert Heibreder's Black and Bittern Was Night.

In this soothing bilingual picture book, beloved storyteller Pat Mora weaves an imagined origin story for Día de los Muertos that will resonate with children and adults alike. In a long-ago village in the country now called Mexico, a girl named Bella shares a close relationship with her grandmother, Mamá Alma. Mamá Alma knows that her body can't live forever, and so she asks Bella to plan a special day that will honor her (and other loved ones) after she's gone. Though it will have special meaning for readers who have lost a loved one, anyone can enjoy the gentle warmth of The Remembering Day.

Skeleton-man Señor Calavera is excited about attending Grandma Beetle's birthday party, but just as he's setting out on his bicycle, Zelmiro the Ghost appears, reminding him that he needs a present, one that Grandma Beetle "would love the most." Señor Calavera begins an alphabetical search for precious gifts, with each one introducing readers to a new Spanish word. But are his A-to-Y gifts really what Grandma would love the most, or has the best been saved for last? Featuring whimsical illustrations in brilliant, riotous colors, Just in Case won the Pura Belpré Illustrator Award for its celebration of Latino culture.

Joy and remembrance are in the air as a village prepares for el Día de los Muertos: from lovingly curated memorial altars to tasty pan de muertos all the way to an exciting costume parade, there's so much to do and see! Spanish words are folded into the English text of this inviting story, which also boasts readaloud-friendly rhymes and a backdrop of cheery, chunky illustrations, making Día de los Muertos "a jovial primer" for newcomers and "a fiesta for those who already partake" (School Library Journal). Fans of this author's style should also see her earlier titles, Green is a Chile Pepper and Round is a Tortilla.